Riddhi Patel, an Indian-American woman in the US protesting Israel's actions in Gaza, was arrested after she threatened to murder officials at the Bakersfield City Council meeting in California on Wednesday. Riddhi Patel, who is known for her stance against Israel's policies, was charged with making terroristic threats during the public comment segment of the session at the meeting. Patel, who was angry at the council for their "lack of support for a proposed cease-fire resolution" and the increased security measures at the government building amidst ongoing anti-Israel protests, directed her ire towards council members and Mayor Karen Goh, reported US media website Fox News.
Footage of Patel, abusing and threatening city officials, is now viral. In one instance, she urged "oppressed minorities" to take some drastic action against the council, even invoking Jesus Christ's name in a threatening context. She further said that she would visit the officials' homes to murder them.
The remarks were made over two speeches during the council meeting. In her initial address, Patel condemned the council members as "horrible human beings" and insinuated that a violent reaction would be justified. She continued her tirade by accusing them of indifference towards global oppression and even said that she hoped they were brought to the guillotine. A guillotine is a device used from the 1700s till the 1970s to behead persons convicted of heinous crimes.
Riddhi Patel Patel further said that the beefed-up security measures in the council building were an attempt to suppress legitimate protests. “You guys want to criminalise us with metal detectors... We’ll see you at your house. We’ll murder you,” she said, adding, “I hope one day somebody brings the guillotine and kills all of you motherf******.”
Reacting to Riddhi Patel Patel's threats Mayor Goh summoned law enforcement personnel to escort Patel out of the premises.
According to Fox News, Bakersfield Police Sgt Eric Celedon confirmed Patel's arrest. He said that she had been charged with 16 felony counts. These charges include multiple counts of threatening city officials. After her arrest the 28 year old woman was seen sobbing in court.
In the aftermath of Patel's arrest, fellow anti-Israel protesters distanced themselves from her actions. One such protester Jenny Huh was quoted as saying in an NBC report as saying that Patel's remarks did not align with their mission of advocating for a ceasefire and ending the conflict in Gaza. She urged observers not to let Patel's actions detract from their goal of achieving peace.